Cuero

Cruise into Cuero, Texas, and you’ll be greeted by chirping birds, thousands of colorful wildflowers swaying in the breeze, and the shimmering Guadalupe River. Head into its charming, historic downtown, and you’ll discover an abundance of shops and restaurants, along with numerous eye-catching murals. Cuero was named one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget Travel magazine in 2010 for its fun festivals, outdoor adventures, and Texas-sized serving of history. Located just 90 miles southeast of San Antonio, Cuero is a great destination for anyone who loves Texas history, the scenic beauty of the Lone Star State, or an unforgettable weekend getaway.

Long before Cuero was founded in 1873, it served as a stopping point along the Chisholm Trail cattle route to Kansas. The town takes its name from Cuero Creek, which the Spanish called Arroyo del Cuero, or “Creek of the Rawhide,” in reference to the way Native Americans tanned cattle hides in the creek bed. Fast forward to 1908, when the first turkey dressing house opened in Cuero and area farmers began raising turkeys on a larger scale. Visitors traveled from miles around to watch the farmers herd their turkeys through the city streets to the packing house, and in 1912, the event was officially named the “Turkey Trot.” Over the years, it became a favorite attraction for journalists and travelers, eventually evolving into one of Cuero’s signature events: Cuero Turkeyfest.

Turkeyfest & Year-Round Events

Each October, visitors flock to Cuero Turkeyfest to celebrate the city’s status as the “Turkey Capital of the World.” Watch turkeys race, browse the arts and crafts market, enjoy the carnival, sample delicious food from local vendors, experience the BBQ cook-off, and take in three days of live entertainment. Other popular events include the Annual Shoppers' Poker Run, the perfect way to explore Cuero’s unique shops, and the World Series of Cuero Fundraiser each August.

Celebrate the holidays at the Fourth of July Celebration in Cuero or Christmas in the Park, where you can sip hot chocolate while driving through the spectacular holiday light displays in Cuero Municipal Park. Experience a Hallmark-inspired Christmas during Christmas in Downtown, held the second weekend of December in the historic Downtown Cuero Main Street District. During the summer, Cowboy Camp at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum offers a week-long immersion in Texas cowboy culture and history for aspiring young cowboys and cowgirls.

Museums, Trails & Outdoor Fun

For a taste of Texas history and cowboy culture, visit one of Cuero’s outstanding museums. Tour the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum any time of year to learn about the famous Chisholm Trail cattle drives and the legends of the American cowboy. History buffs will also enjoy the Cuero Heritage Museum, home to one of the largest collections of antique juicer reamers, and the DeWitt County Museum, located in a beautifully preserved historic home featuring exhibits that tell the stories of the county’s residents. For a glimpse into the history of medicine, explore the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, where displays of vintage medical equipment offer a fascinating look at healthcare in years past.

Get active when you visit Cuero by birding along the Texas Coastal Birding Trail or paddling the Guadalupe Valley Paddling Trail. Cuero Municipal Park is a sprawling recreational complex featuring an 8.5-acre lake, a two-mile trail, several sports fields and courts, a rodeo arena and show barn, a swimming pool, splash pad, and an amphitheater that hosts outdoor movies on summer nights. It’s also a prime spot for a pickup game of sand volleyball or flag football. Take advantage of the beautiful weather with a round of golf at Cuero Municipal Golf Course.

After a day of exploring, enjoy a meal at one of Cuero’s delicious restaurants, then stop by Cuero Pecan House for freshly made casseroles and pies. Since you’re on vacation, go ahead and buy an extra pie—they smell so good, it’s nearly impossible to wait until you get home before taking a bite.

With its rich history, charming downtown, and scenic parks, it’s easy to understand why Cuero is considered one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America.” Plan your visit to Cuero and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.